Equest Therapeutic Riding Center

Category: Children/ Youth, Health, and Animal ServicesContact: Ellie GrantPhone: 214-538-5393Email: egrant@equest.orgCollege Proximity: El Centro College, Eastfield College, and Cedar Valley CollegeDART Availability: YesVehicle Required: NoSpecial Requirements: Anyone 14 and older is welcome. No prior experience with horses required. Sturdy footwear is a must. Physical placement requiring walking and possibly some jogging unless working with independent riders. Outdoor and barn placement requiring heat tolerance, especially in summer months. Specific Opportunities: Opportunities for service learning volunteering and for internships in various areas, including: preparing horses for classes, working as a leader and sidewalker in classes with clients with special needs, helping in the barn, facility and garden. Opportunities also for administrative, event and database related positions and internships. Regular weekly volunteer commitment to the same class for the semester is preferred but self scheduled barn work also possible.Potential Projects This Year: We can set up group opportunities or individual internships- both on the program and administrative side. We have many special events throughout the calendar year that need an army for preparation and execution including hosting Special Olympics, Horse Shows, Galas and fundraisers in the Spring, to our patriotic event Boots and Salutes honoring veterans and first responders in the Summer, and our Fall Festival and fundraiser "Ridefest" in the Fall. We can have groups also come any day of the week and help in the barn with stable chores, horse care and facility maintenance. We also need hardy folks to help us clear trails as we are adjacent to the Great Trinity Forest and have been carving trails. We could also have drives for various items needed.

Description: You will help adults and children with disabilities, learning differences & emotional challenges to ride horses, thus building core strength, balance, muscle control, confidence and self-esteem. Service Learning students prepare the horses for class and follow the directions of the class instructor, which may involve leading the horse, side walking, or giving moral support. Arrive 45 minutes prior to class to assist with grooming and saddling horses. No experience necessary. Times available are Monday - Saturday, day and evening and barn help daily, Monday- Sunday. Must complete the electronic application with liability release, contact information, photo and medical releases, criminal background check permission form, confidentiality and social marketing agreements. Please complete and include current session registration form where you indicate the days and times you might be able to help.